Nuki Unveils Smart Lock Ultra With Faster Operation, Compact Design

[MacRumors]

Austrian smart lock maker Nuki has announced its new Smart Lock Ultra, featuring a smaller design and claiming significantly faster operation than its predecessor.

The Smart Lock Ultra is one-third the size of previous Nuki models. This has been achieved through a new built-in battery design that eliminates the need for a bulky battery compartment, according to the company. The lock features a new brushless motor, similar to those used in electric vehicles, enabling it to unlock in under 1.5 seconds, which could make it one of the fastest smart locks available.

Built-in Wi-Fi eliminates the need for a separate bridge, while Matter-over-Thread and Bluetooth connectivity options are also included. The lock supports all major smart home platforms including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home. Battery life is rated at six months per charge, with charging handled via an included two-meter magnetic cable.

The European version requires replacing the entire lock cylinder and comes with three physical keys, while an upcoming US model will work as a retrofit solution similar to August smart locks. The lock can be controlled through multiple methods, including geofencing, via the smartphone app, or compatible smart home platforms, and it works with Nuki's existing accessories like key fobs and keypads.

The fifth-generation Nuki Smart Lock Ultra will be available in Europe this December for €349, with the US version planned for the second quarter of 2025.

Article Link: Nuki Unveils Smart Lock Ultra With Faster Operation, Compact Design

 

[Neodym]

Charging a smart lock while still attached to the door seems … suboptimal to me.

Hopefully the new motor will make it into the „traditional“ design!

 

[johnsawyercjs]

Where do you insert the physical keys?

 

[orbital~debris]

HAN SOLO: Throw me another charge.

 

[Lapidus]

Looks good! I Have the Smart Lock Pro and it works really well with Home Assistant. It's noisy though. A shame that this new version requires replacing the entire lock cylinder which I won't be doing on a new door.

 

[Lapidus]

Where do you insert the physical keys?

Outside the door. No need on the inside since you can turn the Nuki like you would with a key.

 

[johnsawyercjs]

Outside the door. No need on the inside since you can turn the Nuki like you would with a key.

Sure, but I assumed the two photos showed the outside and the inside doorknobs, since one photo shows the knob and handle with an accompanying escutcheon plate, and one doesn't, and neither shows a key slot, though maybe both photos are of the inside knob and handle, and the escutcheon is an option. The photo with the escutcheon seems to be of the inside knob and handle, since the magnetic plug for the charging cable is also shown, apparently being positioned for attachment to what I would assume is the inside knob.

Speaking of door handles, I'm not sure I like a design which includes a big lever you have to rotate to open the door, in addition to a regular round doorknob.

 

[cookiemonster89]

Will this Support the HomeKey feature?

Aqara U200 ist only 216€ and comes with a keypad Nuki charges an additional 159€ for.

 

[DoogH]

UWB is the new hotness for detecting when you approach the door.

This lock is outdated before it has launched.

 

[Zapski]

“This is the Lockpicking Lawyer, and what we have here is the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra….”

 

[chrono1081]

I dont trust smart locks. Ever since my buddies beach house said his house was unlocked after I left I lost all trust in them.

The house was absolutely locked. The lock makes two noises, after the first noise I jiggled the handle, it was locked. I then straightened the welcome mat in front of his door while waiting for the second noise, then the second noise happened and I jiggled the handle again. It was locked. ZERO doubt in my mind. Doors being locked are one thing I'm hyper focused about.

Next day I get a text telling me I didn't lock the beach house. The locks app was either reporting the wrong status, or something is screwy with the lock.

 

[System603]

“This is the Lockpicking Lawyer, and what we have here is the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra….”

Exactly. I have enough trouble with the idea of using smart locks as such. But using one that requires me to replace my pretty secure cylinder with its proprietary one? No way.

If it just required a lock cylinder with some specific properties and I could just freely choose between Kaba, Abloy, EVVA, Mul-T-Lock etc. I'd be much more willing to compromise.

 

[coffeemilktea]

This has been achieved through a new built-in battery design that eliminates the need for a bulky battery compartment

I wonder how often this has to be charged or replaced... are you going to be locked out if you forget to recharge your smart lock? 😬

 

[willzyx]

Before people start claiming this can be hacked and someone can just walk into your house and rob you, they can do the same with your regular lock. Regular locks are extremely easy to pick. And most criminals don't bother with hacking or picking. They just throw a rock at your window.

 

[mw360]

I wonder how often this has to be charged or replaced... are you going to be locked out if you forget to recharge your smart lock? 😬

Yes, this product went all the way through it's development cycle without anyone thinking of something that you thought of in the few seconds it took you to not read the article.

 

[Totalkharnage]

Yes, this product went all the way through it's development cycle without anyone thinking of something that you thought of in the few seconds it took you to not read the article.

I’m sure this was snark but to confirm, it looks like a traditional lock from the outside and can be opened using a standard key.

 

[Rychiar]

they did it all for the Nuki

 

[NightFox]

they did it all for the Nuki

They did what?

 

[Rychiar]

They did what?

the Nuki? so you can take that cookie

 

[victorvictoria]

You wanna know what toasts my chestnuts? The wife and I are moving to a senior community. I wanted to put a smart lock on the door, but they refused to allow it. After a bit of back and forth, they said OK, if their electrician installed it. The quote was $600 PLUS the price of the lock. Then here's the kicker: they want to charge another $400 in advance to remove it when I die or move! Same thing with a smart thermostat or smoke detectors. (Gonna just put those in myself and not tell them). Really, they say they're going to remove any improvements and return things to the way they were in 1990!

 

[dtemp]

What I want to know is if you can unlock this by tapping your Apple Watch or iPhone (NFC?)?

 

[MacRumorUser78]

Yes, this product went all the way through it's development cycle without anyone thinking of something that you thought of in the few seconds it took you to not read the article.

I want to have smart locks, but our keys still work after decades in the same locks. Never recharged the keys.

 

[Digital Dude]

I've lived and worked across Europe and currently spend time in Italy. Even the more affordable locks in Europe are like vaults compared to the flimsy ones in the U.S., which can often be forced open with a shoulder or kick. You just don’t see that level of vulnerability in European designs. I wouldn’t be surprised if the European version includes a more durable arrangement. 🧐

 

[ghostface147]

“This is the Lockpicking Lawyer, and what we have here is the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra….”

Nice click on 2. Three is a false gate. Got some counter rotation….

 

[d-klumpp]

Charging a smart lock while still attached to the door seems … suboptimal to me.

Charging twice/yr during a low-traffic period via cable would be fine for us. Instead, every few months I need to open our Yale Assure with a Phillips screw driver and quickly swap-in our additional set of 4xAA batteries, batteries that I then charge. So to attach a cable for a couple hrs a couple times per year seems preferable.